Bauxite Sector Rebounds with Increased Production and Job Creation

Guyana’s bauxite sector is on the rise, with a projected production increase of 400,000 tonnes in 2025. This follows a 250,000-tonne boost in 2024, driven by government efforts to revitalize the industry after years of decline. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali highlighted investments in production efficiency and infrastructure, including a $470 million aluminum plant under construction. The sector also added 500 jobs in 2024, with another 500 expected this year, signaling a strong recovery and enhanced export potential.

Brackish Water Shrimp Farming Hits Record 1.28M Kg in 2024

Guyana’s brackish water shrimp industry achieved a record 1.28 million kilograms of production in 2024, contributing $1.8 billion to the rural economy. This marks a steady rise from 92,782 kg in 2021, driven by Government-led transformations in aquaculture. Additionally, the Agriculture Ministry's Cut Rose Project generated $7 million in revenue, benefiting single parents through employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The successes underline the Government's commitment to expanding agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises:

1. Safety Products for Gas Cylinder Users

   • Opportunity: Develop or distribute safety tools and devices like leak detectors, safety regulators, and fire blankets for households and small businesses using gas cylinders.

   • Notes: The ongoing issues with gas cylinder explosions highlight the demand for preventive safety products. Educational marketing campaigns on gas safety could boost product demand.

   • Potential Clients: Households, small food vendors, and restaurants.

2. Electric Cycle Accessories and Safety Gear

   • Opportunity: Sell helmets, reflective gear, and protective clothing for electric cycle users, targeting parents and young riders.

   • Notes: Increasing awareness of road safety for minors riding electric cycles has created a niche market for safety accessories. Collaborate with schools and communities for distribution.

   • Potential Clients: Parents, schools, and community safety groups.

3. Custom Solar Home Solutions

   • Opportunity: Offer small-scale solar kits for households, including affordable installation and maintenance services.

   • Notes: With the government rolling out solar home systems, there’s an opportunity to fill gaps in maintenance, repairs, and supplementary systems.

   • Potential Clients: Rural households and small businesses in Regions 2, 3, 4, and beyond.

Medium Enterprises:

1. Training and Certification in Renewable Energy Systems

   • Opportunity: Establish a training center for technicians in solar installation, maintenance, and repairs, as well as hydropower systems.

   • Notes: The expansion of renewable energy projects (Kumu Hydropower, solar farms) demands skilled labor. Partnerships with government and NAREI could ensure a steady pipeline of trainees.

   • Potential Clients: Local governments, businesses adopting renewable energy systems, and individuals seeking certification.

2. Value-Added Shrimp Processing

   • Opportunity: Set up a processing facility to produce packaged and frozen shrimp products, leveraging the growing brackish shrimp industry.

   • Notes: With over 1.28 million kg of shrimp produced in 2024, value addition through processing can open export opportunities.

   • Potential Clients: Exporters, supermarkets, and restaurants.

3. Electric Cycle Leasing and Repair Services

   • Opportunity: Launch a leasing service for electric cycles alongside repair and maintenance offerings.

   • Notes: Affordable leasing models for families and businesses, combined with repair services, can capitalize on the popularity of electric cycles while addressing safety concerns.

   • Potential Clients: Schools, businesses, and households.

Large Enterprises:

1. Industrial Solar and Hydropower Systems

   • Opportunity: Partner with the government or private firms to develop large-scale renewable energy projects like the Wakenaam Solar Farm or Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

   • Notes: As the government accelerates renewable energy adoption, large enterprises can invest in design, build, and operate models for these projects.

   • Potential Clients: Government, large industrial users, and international energy buyers.

2. Linden-Mabura Road Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: Secure contracts or subcontracts for the construction and maintenance of the road network, focusing on bridges, drainage, and public transport systems.

   • Notes: The Linden-Mabura Road project is crucial for economic growth. Offering integrated solutions for logistics and infrastructure could make a company indispensable.

   • Potential Clients: Government agencies and regional developers.

3. Housing Development in Regularized Areas

   • Opportunity: Invest in constructing affordable housing in regions like Linden, where 11 areas are being regularized.

   • Notes: Collaborate with government housing initiatives to create community-centric developments, integrating amenities like health centers and solar-powered infrastructure.

   • Potential Clients: Middle-income families and government-backed housing programs.

Conclusion

These opportunities leverage current developments, from infrastructure and energy transformation to social initiatives like safety and housing. Each segment—small, medium, and large enterprises—can align with these opportunities to drive growth while addressing emerging needs in Guyana's expanding economy.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Electric Cycle Repairs and Charging Services

• Overview: Offer mobile repair services for electric cycles and set up portable charging stations in neighborhoods with high electric cycle usage.

• Why It Works: The rising adoption of electric cycles among locals, especially minors, creates a growing demand for maintenance and charging solutions. With limited repair shops and the convenience of on-the-spot service, this hustle fills a niche market.

• Startup Requirements:

  • Basic training in electric vehicle repair (available online).

  • A toolkit with spare parts and portable charging units.

  • A bike or scooter for mobility to reach clients quickly.

• Potential Monthly Earnings: GYD $60,000–$180,000, depending on volume and location.

2. Affordable Home Safety Equipment Sales

• Overview: Sell home safety equipment, such as gas leak detectors, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, targeting neighborhoods and small businesses.

• Why It Works: The recent incidents involving gas cylinder explosions have heightened awareness of home safety. Offering affordable solutions and delivering them directly to customers can attract significant attention in a growing safety-conscious market.

• Startup Requirements:

  • Source affordable safety products from local or regional suppliers.

  • Create a simple online presence (Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp Business) for marketing and orders.

  • Offer delivery or setup services for items like gas detectors.

• Potential Monthly Earnings: GYD $70,000–$200,000, depending on sales and partnerships.

3. Weekend Skills Workshops (Solar, Cooking, or DIY Projects)

• Overview: Organize short weekend workshops teaching practical skills like solar system setup, cooking local delicacies, or DIY home projects.

• Why It Works: With the economy expanding, people are seeking new skills to save money or explore hobbies. Workshops provide value to both working professionals and homemakers who want to learn practical skills in a convenient, time-bound manner.

• Startup Requirements:

  • Expertise in a specific skill and access to basic teaching materials.

  • Partnerships with local venues or online platforms for hybrid sessions.

  • Simple marketing via social media and community groups.

• Potential Monthly Earnings: GYD $50,000–$150,000, depending on attendance and workshop frequency.

Why These Ideas Work

These side hustles leverage Guyana's current challenges and opportunities, such as rising electric cycle use, safety concerns, and the demand for skill-building. They require low startup costs, allow flexibility for full-time workers, and cater to underserved markets.